Workers issue ‘arrest warrant’ for Gloria

Workers led by labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno delivered a “warrant of arrest” for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Mendiola, a day before her successor is sworn in and she loses immunity from suits and prosecution.

In a short program at the foot of Mendiola Bridge, members of KMU and other militant groups held a short program, in which leaders vowed to file charges against Arroyo immediately after she steps down as president.

“We have waited for this for a long time! We, the Filipino workers and people, could not wait any more before we file charges against Gloria and have her imprisoned for her numerous crimes,” said Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU chairperson.

“Starting tomorrow, she will be the Philippines’ most wanted criminal. It is not the police nor the government who is eager to get her; it is the Filipino workers and people.We will pressure the incoming Aquino administration to prosecute her,” Labog added.

‘Wanted: Gloria’ posters

KMU has been releasing “Wanted: Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo” posters in the National Capital Region to publicize its call for the outoing president’s arrest. The poster, which shows a photo of Arroyo before making her well-known “I-am-sorry” television speech in July 2005, enumerates her “crimes” to the Filipino people.

“She declared that she will ‘exert the full force of the law’ against groups that worked for her ouster. She was faithful to her promise. And so now we also vow to ‘exert the full force of the law’ on her after she leaves office,” Labog said.

“We have arrest warrants, ‘wanted’ posters, and we’ll also depict her in jail. We will exhaust all legal avenues to have her imprisoned. But because having her tried in a court of law and having her jailed is a political issue, we also promise to keep up the pressure in the parliament of the streets,” the labor leader added.

KMU said the Filipino workers and people have learned from the experience of the Estrada plunder case.

“The lesson is that the Filipino workers’ and people’s vigilance and continuous actions are necessary to have a former president imprisoned. It is easy for members of the ruling classes to unite and do some horse-trading. Only if the workers’ and people’s protests are strong that we can ensure that Gloria will be punished,” Labog concluded.